That CombiChrist, one of maverick misanthrope Andy LaPlegua’s many projects, are an exception to the dispiriting rule that EBM [Electronic Body Music, according to Wikipedia – bemused Ed] rarely translates effectively from CD to stage is never more apparent than when, on the sort of wet Sunday night their peers might be entertaining at the Underworld or Slimelight, they’re to be found energetically abusing a respectably full Electric Ballroom’s eardrums.

Energy is a major factor in setting the Norwegians apart from their peers. Bounding around the stage, more with the zeal of an ADHD child than the aura of one so gripped by ennui he could be moved to produce the Natural Born Killers-style story of murder for the mere sake of diversion on Feed You Anger, LaPlegua projects an infectious and apocalyptic party spirit. It’s encouragement enough for the front rows to throw themselves into what might be the Ballroom’s first glowstick-waving mosh pit.

The addition of a live drummer further emphasises the punk attitude and sonic power possible in the cyberpunk blueprint, particularly as the trio hurtle into the pounding beats of inevitable club classic ‘This Shit Will Fuck You Up’.

Alison B